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First London-based University Technical College set to open on Shoreditch Campus
Posted 28th November 2011
London’s first ever University Technical College (UTC) is set to open on Hackney Community College’s Shoreditch campus in September 2012.
Specialising in Digital and Health Technologies, Hackney UTC is a specialist school for 14-19 year olds. It offers a specialist course of study, designed in partnership with employers, skills sector agencies and universities. The emphasis will be on technical, vocational and employability skills.
It’s different from schools and colleges, as it operates very much like a business day. The school day is 8:30am-5pm, students wear business attire and projects are employer-led, making sure they’re prepared for employment upon graduation.
Hackney UTC is sponsored by Hackney Community College, The University of East London, BT Group and Homerton University Hospital. All of whom will provide exciting opportunities for work experience, mentoring and workplace visits.
60% of the time will be spent on general education, which includes English, Mathematics, Science, a Modern Language, Humanities, English Baccalaureate, Sport, Citizenship and Enrichment Activities. The following ‘bridging subjects’ are also included: financial literacy, understanding and setting up a business, IT and careers education and guidance.
The remaining 40% of the time is devoted to the specialisms of Digital and Health Technologies.
The designated Head Teacher, Annie Blackmore, hosted an information evening at Open Kitchen on Hoxton Street last night. The evening was attended by local schools and careers advisers, with the aim of providing information on what Hackney UTC has to offer.
Annie commented “We’re really pleased with the interest that Hackney UTC has had so far. With unemployment at an all-time high, the employer-led curriculum, combined with our partnerships, will provide students with a real opportunity to gain valuable skills for working life. It’s a really exciting time for young people in Hackney and we’re proud to be taking part in this new initiative.”
Admissions will be open from January 2012 and an Open Evening for parents and learners is being planned for February 2012.
Notes to editors
For information about University Technical Colleges, go to www.utcolleges.org
University Technical Colleges are a new concept in education created by the Baker Dearing Educational Trust and supported by the Department for Education. A UTC offers 14-19 year olds the opportunity to take a highly regarded, full time, technically-orientated course of study. They are equipped to the highest standard, sponsored by a university and offer clear progression routes into higher education or further learning in work including apprenticeships.
How are UTCs different?
They are different in three crucially important ways:
1. They are 14-19 not 11-18 schools
2. Each must be sponsored by a university or an FE college
3. Employers will be involved from the start in shaping the curriculum
? Their school day runs on ‘business hours’ e.g. from 8:30am to 5:00pm
? They have a longer school year of up to 40 weeks and a different term pattern is being considered e.g. 4 term year.
? Extra-curricular activities are compulsory.
? There is a broad general curriculum, and the core subjects of maths, English and science are taught through highly demanding technical projects.
? Pre 16 students will spend about 60% of their time on academic subjects and 40% on technical ones. Post 16 the percentage is reversed with about 40% academic teaching, 60% technical.
? The curriculum content is determined and shaped through the partnership of employers and universities.
? All students study a foreign language related to their technical curriculum
? Experience of work is a central element of the curriculum.
? The Government is fully supportive of ensuring that students combine work and study.
In the recent budget announcement, the Chancellor pledged continued support to UTCs, unveiling the funding for 24 UTCs.
The Hackney UTC partners include Hackney Community College, The Learning Trust, the London Development Agency, BT Group, the University of East London and the Homerton University Hospital NHS Trust.
Hackney Community College has an excellent track record of improving quality and student success rates and was graded Good by Ofsted in 2010. Hackney Community College has been acknowledged as a strong lead partner in the development of the Hackney UTC.
